Rescue efforts are underway as the Balkans have been hit by the worst flooding in more than a century.<br/> <br />At least 20 people have been killed in Serbia and Bosnia. Tens of thousands are without electricity.<br/> <br />Russia and Europe have joined the relief effort and in Vatican City Pope Francis is offering his prayers.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Severe floods have devastated large areas of the Balkans -- above all in Serbia in Bosnia. While I entrust to the Lord the victims of such disasters, I express my personal closeness to those living through hours of anguish and tribulation. Let us pray together for these brothers and sisters experiencing a great difficulty"<br/> <br />As rescue efforts address the immediate crisis authorities also warn of the longer term impact of the floods -- which are expected to devastate the agricultural sector -- vital to the region's economies.
